ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription （ZSHXP） ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia （VD） induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation （2-VO model rats） through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK）/activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4） signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into six groups： Sham group， Model group， donepezil hydrochloride group （0.45 mg·kg^-1）， and ZSHXP groups at low （8.90 g·kg^-1）， medium （17.80 g·kg^-1）， and high （35.60 g·kg^-1） doses，with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats， and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen （NeuN） with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D （GSDMD） in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS）-related proteins including GRP78， PERK， ATF4， phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （p-PERK）， C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency （P<0.01）， a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， and a markedly reduced recognition index （P<0.01）. Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity， deformed and shrunken cell bodies， and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously， accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling， and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78， p-PERK/PERK， ATF4， CHOP， NLRP3， GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency （P<0.01） and an increased number of platform crossings （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with a significantly improved recognition index （P<0.01）. In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups， the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group， the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group， the protein expressions of GRP78， ATF4 and CHOP were increased （P<0.01）， while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased （P<0.05）. In the ZSHXP low-dose group， the expressions of GRP78， p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK， ATF4 and CHOP （P<0.01）， and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression （P<0.01）. In the donepezil hydrochloride group， the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased （P<0.01） and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased （P<0.01）. In the ZSHXP low-dose group， the GSDMD expression was elevated （P<0.01） while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced （P<0.01）. After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP， the protein expression levels of NLRP3， GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway， which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription （ZSHXP） ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia （VD） induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation （2-VO model rats） through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK）/activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4） signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into six groups： Sham group， Model group， donepezil hydrochloride group （0.45 mg·kg^-1）， and ZSHXP groups at low （8.90 g·kg^-1）， medium （17.80 g·kg^-1）， and high （35.60 g·kg^-1） doses，with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats， and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen （NeuN） with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D （GSDMD） in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS）-related proteins including GRP78， PERK， ATF4， phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （p-PERK）， C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency （P<0.01）， a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， and a markedly reduced recognition index （P<0.01）. Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity， deformed and shrunken cell bodies， and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously， accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling， and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78， p-PERK/PERK， ATF4， CHOP， NLRP3， GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency （P<0.01） and an increased number of platform crossings （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with a significantly improved recognition index （P<0.01）. In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups， the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group， the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group， the protein expressions of GRP78， ATF4 and CHOP were increased （P<0.01）， while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased （P<0.05）. In the ZSHXP low-dose group， the expressions of GRP78， p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK， ATF4 and CHOP （P<0.01）， and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression （P<0.01）. In the donepezil hydrochloride group， the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased （P<0.01） and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased （P<0.01）. In the ZSHXP low-dose group， the GSDMD expression was elevated （P<0.01） while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced （P<0.01）. After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP， the protein expression levels of NLRP3， GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway， which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.

Objective: To explore the assocation of the family environment and depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students, so as to provide suggestions for further maximizing the utility of family environment in the growth of primary and secondary school students, as well as prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. Methods: From June to July 2024, through a multistage cluster random sampling method, 8 800 primary and middle school students aged 10 to 18 from 36 schools in 3 cities (Datong, Lvliang, Linfen) in Shanxi Province. A self designed questionnaire was used to conduct a family environment survey, including family socioeconomic conditions, family structure, family parenting behavior, family member health behavior, etc; and the depression symptoms of primary and secondary school students were investigated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The χ 2 test and binary Logistic regression to method were used to analyze the association of the family environment with depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, and to analyze gender and urban-rural heterogeneity in this association. Results: The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students was 46.7% ( n = 4 111 ). Among them, the detection rates of depressive symptoms for male and female students were 45.7% and 47.7% respectively, and the detection rates for rural and urban students were 48.0% and 44.9% respectively. The results of binary Logistic regression model showed that in the family environment, factors such as the father s education level (junior high school: OR =0.84), self assessed family socio economic status (average: OR =0.78, good: OR =0.80), parental support and understanding (yes: OR = 0.55 ), family atmosphere (harmonious: OR =0.66), living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.31, living with parents and grandparents: OR =1.19), and family rearing style (combining punishment and reward: OR =1.42, punishment only: OR =1.25) were related to depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students in Shanxi Province ( P <0.05). From the perspective of gender heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.67, others: OR =1.67) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in male students ( P <0.05). From the perspective of urban rural heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.38) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in rural primary and middle school students ( P <0.05). Conclusions The family environment has an important impact on depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students. Family functioning should be fully exerted to prevent depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Background: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications and mortality. This study examined factors associated with moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 infection among KTRs during the Omicron-predominant period. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included KTRs aged ≥18 years diag-nosed with COVID-19 between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Mild infection was defined as symptomatic illness without lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI);moderate infection as LRTI without hypoxia; severe infection as oxygen saturation <94% on room air; and critical infection as respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction. We compared the characteristics of KTRs with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 versus those with moderate to critical disease. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with moderate to critical illness. Results: Most KTRs (94.4%) had received three or more vaccine doses. Of 603 episodes of COVID-19 infection during the study period, 554 (91.9%) were asymptomatic or mild, while 49 (8.1%) were moderate to critical. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.006–1.069) and longer symptom duration before seeking care (aOR, 1.288; 95% CI, 1.155–1.436) were associated with higher odds of moderate to critical disease. Protective factors included receiving a vaccine booster within the past year (aOR, 0.414; 95% CI, 0.212–0.809) and higher glomerular filtration rate (aOR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.956–0.986). Conclusions KTRs should seek care early if infected with COVID-19 and keep their COVID-19 vaccine boosters updated within 1 year of the last dose.

Background: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications and mortality. This study examined factors associated with moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 infection among KTRs during the Omicron-predominant period. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included KTRs aged ≥18 years diag-nosed with COVID-19 between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Mild infection was defined as symptomatic illness without lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI);moderate infection as LRTI without hypoxia; severe infection as oxygen saturation <94% on room air; and critical infection as respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction. We compared the characteristics of KTRs with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 versus those with moderate to critical disease. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with moderate to critical illness. Results: Most KTRs (94.4%) had received three or more vaccine doses. Of 603 episodes of COVID-19 infection during the study period, 554 (91.9%) were asymptomatic or mild, while 49 (8.1%) were moderate to critical. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.006–1.069) and longer symptom duration before seeking care (aOR, 1.288; 95% CI, 1.155–1.436) were associated with higher odds of moderate to critical disease. Protective factors included receiving a vaccine booster within the past year (aOR, 0.414; 95% CI, 0.212–0.809) and higher glomerular filtration rate (aOR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.956–0.986). Conclusions KTRs should seek care early if infected with COVID-19 and keep their COVID-19 vaccine boosters updated within 1 year of the last dose.

Background: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications and mortality. This study examined factors associated with moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 infection among KTRs during the Omicron-predominant period. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included KTRs aged ≥18 years diag-nosed with COVID-19 between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Mild infection was defined as symptomatic illness without lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI);moderate infection as LRTI without hypoxia; severe infection as oxygen saturation <94% on room air; and critical infection as respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction. We compared the characteristics of KTRs with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 versus those with moderate to critical disease. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with moderate to critical illness. Results: Most KTRs (94.4%) had received three or more vaccine doses. Of 603 episodes of COVID-19 infection during the study period, 554 (91.9%) were asymptomatic or mild, while 49 (8.1%) were moderate to critical. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.006–1.069) and longer symptom duration before seeking care (aOR, 1.288; 95% CI, 1.155–1.436) were associated with higher odds of moderate to critical disease. Protective factors included receiving a vaccine booster within the past year (aOR, 0.414; 95% CI, 0.212–0.809) and higher glomerular filtration rate (aOR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.956–0.986). Conclusions KTRs should seek care early if infected with COVID-19 and keep their COVID-19 vaccine boosters updated within 1 year of the last dose.

Objective To analyze the effect of sodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 injection(SCV)on four human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cell lines(SMMC-7721,Bel-7402,Huh7,and HepG2)and explore its mechanism.Methods Normal hepatic cell line L02 was treated with SCV at concentrations of 0 μmol/L(control),0.5,1,2,4,8,16,and 32 μmol/L,and the cytotoxicity of SCV on L02 cells was detected using CCK-8 assay.Human HCC cell lines(SMMC-7721,Bel-7402,Huh7,and HepG2)were cultured.SCV-untreated control group(0 μmol/L)and 2,4,and 8 μmol/L SCV-treated groups were set up.CCK-8 assay,plate cloning formation assay,Transwell assay,wound healing assay,and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of SCV on the growth and proliferation capacity,colony formation ability,invasion and migration capabilities,cell cycle,and apoptosis of the four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines,respectively.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins,including nuclear factor kappa-B subunit p65(p65),B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),and Caspase-3,and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanism.Results The CCK-8 assay showed that SCV at 0.5,1,2,4,and 8 μmol/L had no significant cytotoxic effect on L02 cells compared with untreated control group,so 2,4,and 8 μmol/L SCV were selected for subsequent experiments.Compared with the untreated control group(0 μmol/L),SCV at different concentrations(2,4,and 8 μmol/L)significantly inhibited the proliferation of the four HCC cell lines(P<0.001).The plate cloning formation assay showed that SCV at different concentrations(2,4,and 8 μmol/L)significantly reduced the colony formation ability of the four HCC cell lines(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).In addition,Transwell and wound healing assays revealed that SCV at different concentrations(2,4,and 8 μmol/L)significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of HCC cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).In the above results,the inhibitory effect of SCV was concentration-dependent.Flow cytometry analysis indicated that SCV arrested cells in the G2/M phase(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001)and significantly promoted cell apoptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).Western blotting showed that SCV significantly down-regulated the expression of p65(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and Bcl-2(P<0.05),and up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusions SCV can significantly inhibit the proliferation,colony formation,invasion,and migration of multiple human HCC cell lines and arrest the cell cycle.SCV may inhibit the expression of p65 and Bcl-2,thereby lifting their inhibitory effect on the apoptotic pathway and activating Caspase-3 to promote apoptosis.

Objective To explore the relationship between axillary artery and axillary vein by combining computed tomography angiography computed tomography angiography(CTA)and computed tomography venography(CTV),and to provide imaging data for establishing an effective blood circulation pathway for vascular injury in clinical transaxillary surgery.Methods The image data of 30 patients who underwent left upper limb and axillary CTA and CTV at the same time were collected.After three-dimensional reconstruction of the images by GE AW4.6 workstation,the course,branch type and variation of axillary artery,the course of axillary vein,the reflux of subordinate branches and the relationship between axillary artery and axillary vein were observed.The length of the whole segment,the length of segment and the inner diameter of the starting point of each segment were measured and statistically analyzed.Results According to the number of branches from the main trunk,the axillary artery was divided into 7 types.According to the variation of the number of blood vessels,the axillary vein was divided into 5 types;The unknown vein branches converge into 32 branches,of which the first segment accounted for 37.5％,the second segment accounted for 46.9％,and the third segment accounted for 15.6％.According to the absence of arterial branches,the relationship between axillary artery and axillary vein was divided into 2 types.Conclusion There are many types of branches of axillary arteries and branches of axillary veins,and the variation types are complex.The changes of branches of axillary arteries affect the distribution of branches of axillary veins.Combined with CTA and CTV images,the relationship between axillary vessels can be reflected clearly and intuitively,which can provide imaging reference for the establishment of new ways of blood supply and reflux in clinical axillary treatment.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress and interferon γ (IFNγ)-driven cellular immune responses are responsible for the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the connection between oxidative stress and the local production of IFNγ in early vitiligo remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism underlying the production of IFNγ by mast cells and its impact on vitiligo pathogenesis. METHODS: Skin specimens from the central, marginal, and perilesional skin areas of active vitiligo lesions were collected to characterize changes of mast cells, CD8 + T cells, and IFNγ-producing cells. Cell supernatants from hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-treated keratinocytes (KCs) were harvested to measure levels of soluble stem cell factor (sSCF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. A murine vitiligo model was established using Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-B2 (MrgB2, mouse ortholog of human MrgX2) conditional knockout (MrgB2 -/- ) mice to investigate IFNγ production and inflammatory cell infiltrations in tail skin following the challenge with tyrosinase-related protein (Tyrp)-2 180 peptide. Potential interactions between the Tyrp-2 180 peptide and MrgX2 were predicted using molecular docking. The siRNAs targeting MrgX2 and the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 were also used to examine the signaling pathways involved in mast cell activation. RESULTS: IFNγ-producing mast cells were closely aligned with the recruitment of CD8 + T cells in the early phase of vitiligo skin. sSCF released by KCs through stress-enhanced MMP9-dependent proteolytic cleavage recruited mast cells into sites of inflamed skin (Perilesion vs . lesion, 13.00 ± 4.00/high-power fields [HPF] vs . 26.60 ± 5.72/HPF, P <0.05). Moreover, IFNγ-producing mast cells were also observed in mouse tail skin following challenge with Tyrp-2 180 (0 h vs . 48 h post-recall, 0/HPF vs . 3.80 ± 1.92/HPF, P <0.05). The IFNγ + mast cell and CD8 + T cell counts were lower in the skin of MrgB2 -/- mice than in those of wild-type mice (WT vs . KO 48 h post-recall, 4.20 ± 0.84/HPF vs . 0.80 ± 0.84/HPF, P <0.05). CONCLUSION Mast cells activated by MrgX2 serve as a local IFNγ producer that bridges between innate and adaptive immune responses against MCs in early vitiligo. Targeting MrgX2-mediated mast cell activation may represent a new strategy for treating vitiligo.
Vitiligo/metabolism* ; Mast Cells/immunology* ; Animals ; Interferon-gamma/metabolism* ; Mice ; Humans ; Melanocytes/metabolism* ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics* ; Mice, Knockout ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Female ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism* ; Stem Cell Factor/metabolism*